About Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Known for bridging the Neoclassic tradition of allegory set in nature with Realism and plein air practice, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot embarked on his artistic career by studying landscape painting. Although he initially struggled to gain acceptance in the establishment, Corot flourished as a landscapist, benefiting from multiple trips around Europe, especially Italy. His early oil sketches, painted outdoors and characterized by their bright colors, fluid brushstrokes, and prioritization of the expression of mood and atmosphere over topographical details, greatly influenced the Impressionists. In addition to poetic landscapes he painted portraits, and, seeking greater recognition at the Paris Salon, biblical and mythological scenes, which were considered the highest form of painting. Despite only moderate success in the Salon, his body of work earned accolades from the influential poet and critic Charles Baudelaire and fellow artists such as Eugène Delacroix.